Politics Aid organizations: Afghanistan not forgotten
Three years after the Taliban took power, Afghanistan continues to struggle with a severe humanitarian crisis.
13.08.2024, 15:06
SDA
"The Afghan population, which is heavily dependent on humanitarian aid, is trapped in a cycle of poverty, displacement and despair," ten aid organizations wrote in a joint statement. Without sustained support and commitment from the international community, the situation threatens to become a "forgotten crisis".
According to the signatories, which include Save the Children, World Vision and the International Rescue Committee, almost 24 million of the approximately 40 million people in the population are currently dependent on humanitarian aid. More than six million people are displaced within the country.
Unemployment has doubled compared to the previous year. "The ongoing economic crisis, the legacy of decades of conflict, the effects of climate change and the gender crisis have taken a devastating toll on the country," the press release states.
Fighting poverty in the long term
Falling budgets for aid organizations further threatened the situation in the country. The ongoing crisis in Afghanistan cannot be overcome with humanitarian aid alone. Long-term development aid is needed to combat the causes of poverty.
However, the international isolation of Afghanistan since the Taliban came to power stands in the way of the establishment of development projects. "Diplomatic engagement is crucial in order to create a favorable environment in Afghanistan that allows international aid measures to be expanded to include development projects in addition to emergency aid," the signatories emphasize.
